The seasons must be changing now that our summer Midwest Shrine Association session has come and gone. El Riad had a strong turnout of nobles and ladies attend the events in Aberdeen in early August, and we had the highest number of participants as is typical for our...

The sun shines bright in the summer as does the El Riad Shrine. It’s parade season, and time for our many units and clubs to show off and do what they do best – proudly represent our temple to the many communities both inside and outside of our realm. What a great way...

For the past several months of writing this column, it has been my goal to highlight the people that make El Riad great, because people are the lifeblood of the Shrine. A few weeks ago in April, a whole bunch of people came together once again from near and far to...

Since I started writing this column for the Cactus, I have been highlighting individuals and groups that make a difference at El Riad. That trend continues this month because people are our most valued asset. Likely the most visible groups of volunteers in our...

One of my goals for 2019 was to create an avenue for all El Riad promotions to come under one roof and be coordinated by one group. This would allow for future El Riad promotions to have a similar branding, similar goals, a structured and cohesive function, and a more...

El Riad Shrine has a lot of moving parts in its machinery that must stay well-aligned and well-maintained to keep the whole operation running smoothly. There are many contributors to that process that typically stand out and are easily recognized, such as the Divan,...

Noble Steve Haase was nominated by the Bridges to the Futures Committee and appointed by Potentate John Whitelock to serve as the Outer Guard on the El Riad Shrine Divan. Steve is a devoted Shriner and active in many facets of the Shrine, as you will read below.Steve...

Let me begin by saying that I am very humbled and honored to serve as your Potentate for 2019. I vow to do my best and to try to live up to the expectations of the nobility as we continue the good works of our Shrine fraternity and philanthropy. Lady Ralynn and I look...